Our Boats

It’s on the two vessels operated by Australian Longline where our quest for the highest standards of environmental practice and product quality pass the ultimate test. And what a proving ground.

The Antarctic Chieftain and the Antarctic Discovery operate in some of the harshest marine environments on earth, below the 50th parallel, thousands of kilometres from land, in icy conditions, sometimes terrible storms, underpinned by that notorious, relentless Southern Ocean swell.

It is cold, wet and unforgiving.

Yet our highly experienced and skilled crews have shown that, despite these privations, they can deliver.

The Toothfish (often sold as Chilean Sea Bass) that finally appears on the plate is testimony to the work ethic of our teams.

They aim for nothing less than the best, guided by the strict standards set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and under the eye of two government observers.

Delivering a super-premium product in such testing conditions means a regime focused on quality and strict timetables onboard. From the setting of the lines, to bringing the fish in, to preparing and freezing them, the focus is on delivering on the promise. That promise being one of the world’s most sought after fish.

The Antarctic Chieftain carries a crew of 24 and 2 observers and there is a hospital on board. The 62.8 metre vessel was built in 2002 and was extensively modified and refurbished in 2008. This vessel is registered in Fremantle, Western Australia.

The Antarctic Discovery carries a crew of 22 and 2 observers. The vessel is 55.3 metres in length and was extensively refurbished in 2015. This vessel is registered in Hobart, Tasmania.